Mathematical modelling of bubble formation at top-submerged nozzles placed inside a quiescent liquid

Bubble size is an important variable that determines the efficiency of air induced liquid mixing, which, due to its passive nature, is commonly used in processes involving radioactive species. In majority of cases, in air induced mixing devices used in radiochemical plants, air is introduced through top-submerged nozzles. This necessitates fundamental understanding of the phenomenon of bubble formation at top-submerged nozzles placed inside a liquid pool. In this study, a mathematical model is developed by carrying out force balance to estimate the diameter of the bubbles generated at the tip of a top-submerged nozzle submerged in a quiescent liquid. The model is validated with the experimental data. The parametric analysis carried out with the developed model provides detailed understanding of the effects of geometric, operating parameters and properties of the liquid medium on bubble formation phenomenon.